Acai is a small, round fruit with an outer skin either green or deep purple depending on the tree it came from and its degree of ripeness. The a has an unusually large seed it's about 80 percent of the weight of the entire fruit surrounded by a rather thin layer of pulp. The fruit comes from the a palm tree and is slightly smaller than a typical grape.

As you probably noticed, the a has an unusual name as well. It is pronounced ah-sigh-EE (with the emphasis on the last syllable), and its name was derived from a word in the Old Tupi language meaning the fruit which expels water.

In certain regions of the Brazilian Amazon, a palms are considered the most important local plant because local tribes consume large amounts of the a fruit. In northern Brazil, a pulp is traditionally served with a tapioca starch from plant roots and is a staple of the local diet. In southern Brazil, it is eaten cold or mixed with granola. Acai is also eaten as ice cream, or drunk as juice.

Eight varieties of a palms exist in Central and South America, all of them found in swamps or floodplains. They are tall, majestic trees which can reach 100 feet in height. Global demand for the fruit has expanded so rapidly in recent years that a is now cultivated primarily for that purpose.

Acai contains antioxidants which help protect against free radicals which can damage cells.

Acai contains natural flavonoids and antioxidants.

Acai supports overall well-being.

Acai has traditionally been used in the Amazon.

Benefits

The fatty acids found in a are similar to those in olive oil thus are rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. Oleic acid, or omega-9, is an important component of nerve cells.

We also know a pulp contains antioxidants, monounsaturated fats, dietary fiber and phytosterols.

In addition to being used for food and flavoring, the a palm has additional commercial uses.

Leaves are made into hats, mats, baskets, and brooms.

Wood from the trunk is used for construction (it's resistant to pests) and processed to yield minerals.

A seeds are ground for livestock food, or as a component of organic soil for plants.

The structure function claims made on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These dietary supplement products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

♦ Puritan's Pride provides these articles for information only. They are not approved or recommended by us, do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and are not meant to replace professional medical advice or apply to any products.

** These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Puritan's Pride site. Product sold on this site are for personal use and not for resale. All orders placed through this website are subject to Puritan's Pride acceptance, in its sole discretion. This means that Puritan's Pride may refuse to accept, or may cancel, any order, whether or not it has been confirmed, without liability to you or any third party. Puritan's Pride reserves the right to discontinue any program or offer.

If you would like to unsubscribe from future Puritan's Pride emails, please click here to unsubscribe.

^ Same item, same size Puritan's Pride® brand products, discount already reflected in the applicable product price. Certain products, including clearance section items, may be excluded. All products subject to availability. To expedite orders, we may substitute smaller bottles if ordered quantity is out of stock. Terms and conditions subject to change. Free Shipping offers apply within the contiguous 48 U.S. states; will automatically apply to your cart at checkout; not valid on orders greater than $1,000.00 USD or on prior purchases.